-Cam Specs and Max Power-
common performance V8 engines

There are several Cam Specs (CamShaft Specifications) that affect power. They affect how much power is made, at what RPM and how efficient the engine runs.
When we see the Cam Card it generally lists several specs about the cam. The ones we are concerned with are the Duration, Duration @ .050" cam lift,Lobe Cenetrline Angle, Lobe Seperation Angle and Lift.

Duration	total degrees of crankshaft revolution that the lobe is raised over the base circle
Duration @ .050" lift	total degrees of crankshaft revolution that the lobe is raised .050" over the base circle
Lobe CenterLine Angle	Determines when the intake valve closes, generally 104-106*
Lobe Seperation Angle	Determines the amount of overlap with a given duration cam.
Lift	Generally how far the Valves open with stock rocker arm

Lift Numbers are generally .390-.440" for a stock cam, .440"-460" for a "RV" cam, .460"-490" for a performance cam. Race cams can go as high as .700" lift or more.

Duration numbers should be looked at but the important duration number is the .050" lift as "advertised" duration can change from manufacture to manufacture. at .050 lift look for 200*-210* for a stock cam,210*-230 for an RV cam and 230*-240* for street/strip cams and anything larger is considered race.

Lobe Seperation Angles determine where the power will be made. The wider the seperation the more efficient the cam, the smoother idle and better top end for a given amount of duration. A tighter lobe seperation angle will sacrifice drivability, idle quality, manifold vacuum, top end power for a trade off of a very narrow and peaky powerband. Essentially all the power can be compressed into a 1000rpm "window". Look for a 112-116 for a computer controlled or nitrous injected engine, 110-112 for a street strip or blown engine and as low as 102* for a short circle track application.


Return Home or bookmark us 

More great articles from Hotrodders Auctions
HotroddersAuctions.com copyright 2005